The Covenant of Mayors has also produced a quick reference guide (opens pdf; 660KB) on financing opportunities for local climate and energy actions. The document presents an overview of the different financing programs which can support the implementation of cities' Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans.

The ELENA programme covers up to 90 per cent of the technical cost to prepare large energy efficiency and renewables projects. This can help with obtaining financing, especially from private investors. The...

The European Investment Bank (EIB) offers either direct loans and guarantees for large-scale projects (over €25 million) or intermediated loans and guarantees for small and medium-scale projects, in that case via national and regional intermediary...

INTERREG Europe 2014-2020 supports interregional cooperation. It co-finances projects where public authorities from different regions work together for 3 to 5 years on a shared policy issue. Calls are launched regularly.

URBACT III supports interregional co-operation. It co-finances the creation of networks of cities to develop integrated solutions to common urban challenges, by learning from one another. The first call for the creation of up to 20 Action...

This new programme will test new approaches, through pilot projects, to the challenges faced by cities. Projects will be selected through calls for proposals; the first call is to be published at the beginning of 2016.

The LIFE programme is the EU financing instrument for the environment and climate action. The 2014-2017 work programme includes a thematic priority on ‘Air quality and emissions, including the urban environment’. Calls are...